The Owyhee River is known as the “Loneliest River in America,” and is one of the most remote wilderness white water rafting trips in the Lower 48. Oregonians proudly tout the Owyhee as the “Grand Canyon” of Oregon, and rafters can expect enchanting canyon scenery similar to the Colorado River, and geography reminiscent of Bryce and Zion National Parks.

The Owyhee is in a dry desert region, which presents the challenges of a lack of consistent water flow. Unpredictable snowmelt and runoffs create a boating season that runs from February through May, with rare run-off in June, and it is hard to catch the river at optimal flows. Although much of the river consists of easy Class I’s, this easy journey will be interrupted by a mandatory portage over Owyhee Falls and a few Class IV’s and V’s to bring some excitement back into the adventure.

The headwaters of this spectacular river begin in Northern Nevada, and it is one of the few rivers that wind north instead of south to its confluence with the Snake River at the Oregon/Idaho border.

The Owyhee is truly in the middle of nowhere. The put-in for most boating trips is the town of Rome, Oregon, population: 50. Boaters can look forward to luxuriating in hot springs created by volcanic forces underground, as well as sightings of mountain lions, bobcats, mule deer, California Bighorn, sheep and a large variety of raptors. There are an unending variety of rock formations, including vast basalt walls, columns, spires, needles and arches. Paddlers will also enjoy side trips exploring old cabins and aborted ranching efforts.